Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
Forest Therapy Hub Interview
You can read the interview that I did with the Forest Therapy Hub here. I discuss social prescribing, and the benefits of Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection for mental health and also for people experiencing arthritis.
What You Should Know About Phytoncides and Terpines
Phytoncides and terpenes are antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds that are emitted by the plants and trees and protect them from bacteria, fungi and being eaten by insects and animals. They also serve as a way for trees and plants to communicate with each other, warning about danger. Terpenes have also been found to play an important role in counteracting global warming.
Natural Killer Cells and Forest Bathing
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte that serves a variety of function in the immune system, such as destroying infected and abnormal cells in the body. They can even target a viral infection inside cells, without destroying the entire cell.
Research has shown that Forest Bathing enhances NK activity in humans by increasing the number of NK cells and intracellular levels of anticancer proteins.
Forest Bathing and Mindfulness
Forest Bathing is often referred to as a ‘nature-mindfulness’ practice in which people are encouraged to ‘mindfully take in their environment using their different senses’ but there are a number of characteristics that differentiate Forest Bathing from Mindfulness, as described here.
Arthritis and Forest Bathing
Arthritis pain is caused in part by inflammation, but this can become a bigger problem when it causes chronic stress or anxiety, as higher levels of the stress hormones cortisol in the body can lead to greater inflammation that can make arthritis more painful. Forest Bathing reduces cortisol levels and so can contribute to reducing inflammation. Participants in Forest Bathing activities have reported significant decreases in pain and depression, and a significant improvement in health-related quality of life following the Forest Bathing activities.
What is Nature Connection?
Many people instinctively know that being in nature is good for us, and research backs this up, showing that people who are more ‘connected’ with nature often report greater life satisfaction; lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression; and greater levels of emotional and mental wellbeing. But what is ‘Nature Connection’
Nature connection is much more than just being in nature or exposed to nature, it is about really tuning in to your surroundings and noticing what is happening around you.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing or 'Silvotherapy' is a health-promoting practice that involves spending time outdoors in nature and amongst trees to enhance wellbeing and relieve stress through increased nature-connection and harnessing the healing and restorative powers of nature.